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Ministry of Science & Technology
Participants at the unique event at IISF 2020 ‘Performing Arts & Science’ emphasise the need for integration of science and various performing arts in India
IISF-2020
‘Science and Performing Arts’ Event at IISF-2020
In the 6th edition of India International Science Festival, 13 new events are included. “Science and Performing Arts” is one of them. This event is an effort to explore the logic behind various performing art forms focusing on Vocal, Instrumental Music & Dance in the perspective of contemporary sciences. This is an apt platform for scientists, researchers, academicians, artists, performers and students who are willing to peep into the Universe with the help of numerous dimensions of ‘Bharatiya Sangeet’.
Speaking at this event, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR said that IISF is the celebration of scientific wealth of India. Therefore, through the sessions on ‘Science and Performing Arts’, we shall try and explore the logic behind various performing art forms focusing on Vocal, Instrumental Music & Dance in the light of contemporary sciences. Dr. Mande congratulated all the participants of the event for taking interest in this rare kind of genre of study.
Dr. Shekhar C. Mande addressing the session on “Science and Performing Arts”
Inaugurating the session, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabudhe, President of Indian Council of Cultural Relations; MP, Rajya Sabha and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, emphasized the need for integration of science and various performing arts in India. He mentioned that there are various research opportunities. He also encouraged the students to opt for research work on this subject.
Member of Parliament , renowned scholar, and Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr. Sonal Mansingh enlightened the audience with her scholarly approach towards science and all the art forms, particularly in dance and the artistic attitude regarding scientific concepts. She drew a noticeably clear line between science and arts with the proper blend of philosophy in it.
Renowned Indian Classical dancer Dr. Sonal Mansingh addressing the event
Coordinator from Vijnana Bharati for this particular event, Dr. Manasi Malgaonkar proposed vote of thanks and Dr. Sucheta Naik compered the session. Other Sessions included; Lecture on Scientific Aspects of Veena by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh and Vibrations in Ananda Tandava of Nataraja by Dr. Padmaja Suresh. Dr. Padmaja explained the expressions of various scientific concepts through dance. An interactive session with Dr. Sangeeta Shankar, Mr. Sudhin Prabhakar and live melodious violin performance by Miss Nandini Shankar was also organised.
Ministry of Defence
Decrease in Budget Spending for Defence
Defence allocation as well as defence expenditure for last four years is as under:-

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Year
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Defence Allocation/Expenditure
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GDP
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Percentage of GDP
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BE
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Actuals
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BE
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Actuals
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2017-18
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3,59,854.12
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3,59,854
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1,71,00,000
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2.10
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2.10
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2018-19
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4,04,364.71
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4,03,457
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1,89,70,000
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2.13
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2.13
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2019-20
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4,31,010.79
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4,52,996
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2,03,40,000
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2.12
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2.23
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2020-21
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4,71,378
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3,38,630.9|
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1,94,81,975
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2.42
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-Note: GDP figures from FY 2017-18 to 2019-20 are as per Economic Survey 2020-21- . Figures for 2020-21  are as per Budget at a Glance 
BE = Budget Estimates, RE = Revised Estimates, PE= Provisional Estimates
It may be seen from above data that Defence Budget as well as Defence Expenditure is increasing, implying higher spending.
There is no lack of proper protective clothing for defence personnel. The items are being procured on regular basis as per requirement of troops and accruing entitlement year on year is being met.
This information was tabled in a written reply by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik to a question asked by Shri Syed Nasir Hussain in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Finance
Ad hoc Exemption from IGST on imports of specified COVID-19 relief material donated from abroad
As customs duty is already exempt , these imports will not attract any customs duty or IGST
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Government has issued notifications exempting Basic Customs Duty and/or Health cess on imports of a number of COVID-19 related relief materials, for a limited period. These include-
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S. No.
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Notification
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Purpose
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-
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27/2021-Customs dated 20.04.21 
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Remdesivir injection/ API and Beta Cyclodextrin , Inflammatory diagnostic  kits, till 31st Octber,2021
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-
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28/2021-Customs dated 24.04.21
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Medical grade Oxygen, oxygen therapy related equipment such as oxygen concentrators, cryogenic transport tanks, etc, and COVID-19 vaccines till 31st July, 2021
The Central Government had received a number of representations from charitable organizations, corporate entities, and other Associations/ entities outside India seeking exemption from IGST on the import of Covid-19 relief material , donated/received free of cost from outside India for free distribution. Accordingly, the Central Government has vide Ad hoc exemption Order number 4/2021 dated 3rd May, 2021 has granted exemption from IGST on import of such goods received free of cost for free distribution for covid relief.
This exemption shall apply till 30th June, 2021. It would also covers goods already imported but lying uncleared on the date of its issuance of exemptioni.e. today.
The exemption shall be subject to the following conditions:
- State Government shall appoint a nodal authority in the State for the purpose of this exemption. As per section 2  of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, state include a Union territory with Legislature.
- The Nodal authority so appointed shall authorise any entity, relief agency or statutory body, for free distribution of such Covid-relief material.
- The said goods can be imported free of cost by a State Government or, any entity/ relief agency/ statutory body, authorized in this regard for free distribution anywhere in India.
- The importer shall before clearance of goods from Customs produce a certificate from the said nodal authorities that goods are meant for free distribution for Covid relief.
- After imports, the importer shall produce, to the Deputy or Assistant Commissioner of Customs at the port within a period of six months from the date of importation or within such extended period not exceeding nine months, a simple statement containing details of goods imported and distributed free of cost. This statement shall be certified by the said nodal authority of the State Government.
This exemption, shall thus enable import of the covid relief supply imported free of cost for free distribution without payment of IGST .
As customs duty is already exempt , these imports will not attract any customs duty or IGST.
Prime Minister's Office
The Economic Survey presents a comprehensive analysis of India's growth trajectory : PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared the Economic Survey 2022-2023.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“The Economic Survey presents a comprehensive analysis of India's growth trajectory including the global optimism towards our nation, focus on infra, growth in agriculture, industries and emphasis on futuristic sectors.
https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/index.php “
Special Service and Features
1128 Grams of Gold worth Rs. 60.58 lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, Chennai Air Customs officers intercepted one male passenger who arrived from Dubai via Emirates flight No. EK-546 on 20.04.2023. On a personal search of the passenger, two white pouches of gold in paste form were found concealed in a knee brace he was wearing. On extraction, One Gold ingot of 24k purity weighing 1128 grams valued at Rs. 60.58 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act, 1962.
The passenger was arrested and later released on bail. Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by M.Mathew Jolly, Principal Commissioner of customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Fertilizer Subsidy sees a hike of around Rs. 10,000 crores in Budget 2019-20
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today.
Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda thanked the Finance Minister for increased allocation towards the Fertilizer Subsidy and said that the increased allocation would further help in increasing the efficiency of subsidy transfers to the farmers through DBT.
The Fertilizer Subsidy allocations have seen a hike of around Rs. 10,000 crores from Rs. 70,090.35 crores  to Rs. 79,996 crores . Out of this allocation, Urea subsidy comprises of Rs. 53,629 crores and Nutrient based subsidies of Rs. 26,367 crores, as per the Expenditure Profile 2019-20 document in the Budget.
The Fiscal Policy statement of the Budget mentions that a total of 610.08 lakh metric tonnes  of fertilizers have been sold under DBT scheme from March 2018 to May 2019.
Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research  have also seen a hike in allocations from Rs. 135 crores  to Rs. Rs. 150 crores .
Prime Minister's Office
PM lays Foundation Stone of Shikshan Bhavan and Vidhyarthi Bhavan
The Prime Minister. Shri Narendra Modi, today, laid the foundation stone of Shikshan Bhavan and Vidhyarthi Bhavan at Annapurna Dham Trust in Adalaj, Gujarat.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Prime Minister said that India had the rich tradition of communities taking lead, to solve the challenges faced by an era. He mentioned about communities coming together to improve education and irrigation.Such community efforts have greatly benefitted people, PM added.
Remembering SardarVallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister said that the efforts of Sardar Patel towards cooperative sector should never be forgotten.
The Prime Minister urged the people of Gujarat to work on food processing. He added that such value addition would benefit both farmers and industries.
Paying homage to Maa Annapurna, Prime Minister said that the Annapurna Dham Trust should give society the strength to ensure gender equality and prosperity for everyone.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Backlog Vacancies of OBC Candidates
The Department of Personnel and Training  monitors the progress in filling up of backlog reserved vacancies for the Scheduled Castes /Scheduled Tribes /Other Backward Classes , which includes data in respect of Ministries/Departments, their Public Sector Banks/ Financial Institutions, Central Public Sector Undertakings.
DoPT has issued instructions to all Ministries/ Departments to constitute an In-House Committee for identification of backlog reserved vacancies, to study the root cause of such vacancies, to initiate measures to remove the factors causing such vacancies and to fill them up through Special Recruitment Drives. Representation of OBCs has shown an increasing trend since it started in September, 1993. As per available information, representation of OBCs, as on 01.01.2012, was 16.55%, which has increased to 20.46% as on 01.01.2019, as per data received, as on date, from 53 Ministries/Departments.
This was stated by Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
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SNC
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President's Secretariat
Envoys of three Nations present credentials to President of India
Ambassadors of Germany, Colombia and Peru presented credentials to the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
The envoys who presented their credentials were: -
1. Mr Walter Johannes Lindner, Ambassador of Germany
2. Mr Alvaro Sandoval Bernal, Ambassador of Colombia
3. Mr Carlos Rafael Polo Castaneda, Ambassador of Peru
Ministry of Railways
PM TO FLAG OFF PURI-ROURKELA VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off Puri–Rourkela, the 2nd Vande Bharat Express for the people of Odisha through video conferencing from New Delhi during a function to be held at Bhubaneswar railway station on 24th September, 2023.
His Excellency, Governor of Odisha, Prof Shri Ganeshi Lal and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik have consented to grace the occasion.
Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji will be present at Bhubaneswar Railway Station along with other Hon’ble MPs and MLAs.
This 2nd Vande Bharat Express will connect the abode of Lord Jagannath, the holy city of Puri with the Steel City Rourkela  and will also connect Capital City Bhubaneswar, Industrial Area at Angul and Jharsuguda enroute. This premium service will offer the fastest rail connectivity between Puri-Rourkela and will run six days a week except Saturday.
The Vande Bharat Express will cover the distance of 505 kms in 7 hours and 45 minutes from Puri to Rourkela. Train No.20836 Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express will depart Puri at 05.00 hrs and will reach Rourkela at 12:45 hrs on same day. In return direction, 20835 Rourkela- Puri Vande Bharat Express will depart Rourkela at 14:10 hrs and will reach Puri at 21.40 hrs on same day. The train will have stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City and Jharsuguda enroute.
This Vande Bharat service will reduce the average travel time from Puri–Rourkela as compared to Puri-Yog Nagari Rishikesh Express which takes 11.50 hours and Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express which takes 10.25 hours, which is the fastest train in this route.
This new Vande Bharat Express train has lot more improved and enhanced amenities and features for the comfort of the passengers. These features were improved and introduced based on the feedback taken from the passengers.
This will also connect Coastal Central and Western Odisha Districts and fulfil the dreams of people of coastal and western Odisha regions to have a luxurious, comfortable, smooth, safe train ride while counting on reduced journey time. This train will greatly benefit the pilgrims, traders, students and tourists with a reduced travel time between Puri and Rourkela.
RoM
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Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Madhya Pradesh, launch Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, on Panchayati Raj Day tomorrow
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Mandla in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow, 24th April on the National Panchayati Raj Day. He will launch the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, at a public meeting, and address Panchayati Raj representatives across the country, from Mandla.
The Prime Minister will unveil a Road Map for overall development of tribals during the next five years, on this occasion. He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant of Indian Oil Corporation at Maneri, Mandla District. He will also launch a Local Government Directory.
In keeping up with the Government’s commitment towards clean, healthy, and electrified India, the Prime Minister would felicitate the Sarpanches of the villages which have achieved 100 percent smokeless kitchens, 100 percent vaccination under Mission Indradhanush, and 100 percent electrification under Saubhagya Scheme.
The winners of Rashtriya e-Panchayat Puraskar, and Gram Panchayat Vikas Puraskar Yojana under Sarvasreshtha Panchayat Puraskar Yojana will be felicitated on this occasion.
Later, the Prime Minister will interact with the District Collectors of the Aspirational Districts from Madhya Pradesh.
Ministry of Defence
ANC celebrates 18th Raising Day: CINCAN reviews Parade
Andaman & Nicobar Command celebrated its 18th Raising Day today on 08 Oct 2018. The only joint-services operational command of the Indian Armed Forces, commemorated its raising, by conducting several events over the last two days and included Barakhana with troops, Run for Fun, and media interaction. The Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, reviewed the parade at INS UTKROSH and awarded Unit Citations for outstanding performance in last one year to Indian Coast Guard, Naval Ship Repair Yard, and 15 ASSAM. In his address, the Commander-in-Chief commended all personnel on their professionalism and alacrity shown in pursuance of the goals of the command. The Admiral informed that the several important projects of strategic significance are underway and the induction of additional assets like an Engineer Regiment, LCUs, FDN-2, BMPs and TA Bn has further added teeth to operational capabilities of the Command. He commended all ranks for successful conduct of DANX and other events like MILAN and CORPATs with Navies of the Indian Ocean Region during the year.
The Commander-in-Chief made a special mention of aid to civil authorities by all components, where 18 medical evacuations were carried out and highlighted the role played by Coast Guard Ship Aruna Asif Ali in saving 348 lives at sea during flooding of MV Swaraj Dweep. He appreciated the efforts towards community outreach by INS Kardip and Coast Guard at Campbell Bay in operating Schools for tribal and local children. The other activities towards social outreach include multi-specialty medical camps in remote areas and Spirit of Freedom Run wherein 19 schools enroute were motivated to contribute towards ‘Adopt a Tree’ program and were sensitized about ‘Plastic Free Islands’. He shared that in the coming year INS Shibpur will be made available for UDAN scheme to connect remote areas of the Islands. Efforts made by the Command towards safeguarding our environment by way of Segregated Waste Management at all the residential areas of the Command was also appreciated by the CINCAN.
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Ministry of Mines
Mine Ministry Efforts to Ensure Best Practices in Sand Mining
Sand is a minor mineral under Section 3 of the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957. Section 15 of the MMDR Act, 1957, empowers the State Governments to make rules for regulating the grant of minor mineral concessions for minor minerals. Moreover, Section 23C of the MMDR Act, also empowers the State Governments to make rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals and for the purposes connected therewith. Thus, minor minerals are regulated at the level of State Government. However, Ministry of Mines has prepared a ‘Sand Mining Framework’ in consultation with Mining Departments of the States incorporating best practices amongst States and suggestions based on the objectives of sustainability, availability, affordability and transparency in sand mining. The ‘Sand Mining Framework’ was circulated to all the States for necessary action.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s address at the Opening Ceremony of Khelo India School Games
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi declared the first edition of the Khelo India School Games open, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi today.
Addressing the gathering, he said sports should occupy a central place in the lives of our youth. Sports is an important means of personality development, he added.
He exhorted youngsters to devote time to games He exhorted amid their busy schedules. Referring to the eminent sportspersons present in the gathering, he said they too would have faced many obstacles; but they did not give up and went on to distinguish themselves.
India does not lack sporting talent, the Prime Minister asserted. We are a youthful nation and we can do even better in sports, he added.
Explaining the significance of India growing on the world stage, he said this does not only mean having a strong army and powerful economy. It includes people of India distinguishing themselves as scientists, artists, sportspersons etc., he said. He expressed confidence that India will scale these heights, adding that he trusts India’s youth.
Khelo India is not only about winning medals, he said. It is an effort to give strength to a mass movement for playing more, he explained. We want to focus on every aspect that would make sports more popular across the nation, he added.
Shri Narendra Modi said it is gladdening to see youngsters from rural India and smaller cities excelling as sportspersons. These are also youngsters who need support, which the Government wants to provide, he added.
Those who love sports play for passion, not for monetary rewards, the Prime Minister said. This is why athletes are special, he added. When an Indian sportsperson wins and when he or she gets to hold the Tricolour, it is an extremely special feeling and it energises the entire nation, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Significant increase in user fee collection throughout the country after declaration of all lanes of fee plazas on National Highways as “FASTag lane of the fee plaza”
There has been significant increase in user fee collection throughout the country after declaration of all lanes of fee plazas on National Highways as “FASTag lane of the fee plaza” w.e.f. midnight of 15th/16th February 2021.
The fee collection from 15th February to 28th February 2021 was Rs 104 Crore per day approximately as compared to Rs. 80 Crore per day approximately in the month of February, 2020.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
‘Green Hydrogen Pilots in India’ Conference to be held in the run-up to G20 Summit
In the run-up to the 18th G20 Summit, a day-long conference on "Green Hydrogen Pilots in India" is being held in New Delhi, on 5th September, 2023. The conference will showcase various Green Hydrogen Pilots being implemented by both public and private sector companies of India. The conference will also present pioneering innovative pilots and progress in green hydrogen technology.
The conference is being hosted by NTPC Ltd., India's leading integrated power producer.
Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh will attend the opening session of the conference and deliver the keynote address.
Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla; CMD, NTPC, Shri Gurdeep Singh; and CEO, NTPC Green Energy Ltd., Shri Mohit Bhargava will also address the opening session.
Conference participants will get the opportunity to see pilot innovations and gain valuable insights into the future of clean energy. Green hydrogen pilots being showcased include presentations on Green Hydrogen Blending in Petroleum and Natural Gas ; Green Hydrogen Mobility ; FCEV and H2ICE Vehicles ; Green Shipping Initiatives ; Microgrid and Mobility ; Mobility, Blending using AEM Electrolysers ; Green Hydrogen based Microgrid and other initiatives ; Green Ammonia Plant in Bikaner ; Green Methanol, Green Ethanol ; Making of DRI Steel with Green Hydrogen ; Hydrogen based Microgrid Initiatives ; Green Hydrogen for use in Welding Procedures at Hazira ; Green Hydrogen using off-grid solar ; and Solar to Direct Hydrogen – .
The discussions during the event will help in assimilation of information and encourage sharing of achievements and challenges faced by the early movers. In addition, the pilot projects will help address technological challenges, develop local supply chains, and optimise techno-economic feasibility in the future.
The conference will not only illuminate the path forward but also inspire concerted efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The agenda of the conference can be found here.
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